(INACTIVE) Public Call for Co-financing of Research & Development and Demonstration–Pilot Projects in the Zasavje and Savinjsko–Šaleška Regions (JR RRI DEMO PILOTI SPP)

The purpose of the tender

The purpose of the call is to promote the implementation of research and development (R&D) and demonstration–pilot projects in the coal regions of Zasavje and Savinjsko–Šaleška (SAŠA) within the framework of the Just Transition Fund.
The call supports creative solutions for the transition to a low-carbon, circular, and digital economy, with the aim of increasing the innovation potential and competitiveness of both regions.

The public call is implemented in two lots, each with two sub-lots:

Lot 1: Zasavje Region

• Sub-lot 1.1 (R&D): Intended for carrying out research and development projects for the development of new or improved products, processes, or services.
• Sub-lot 1.2 (R&D + Demo-Pilots): Intended for implementing R&D activities for the development of new or improved products, processes, or services and demonstration-pilot activities.
  The pilot part of the project focuses on developing new solutions or applying techniques and methods not yet used (development of the pilot), while the demonstration part focuses on practical application, testing, evaluation, and dissemination (demonstration setup and testing).

Lot 2: SAŠA Region

• Sub-lot 2.1 (R&D): Intended for carrying out research and development projects for the development of new or improved products, processes, or services.
• Sub-lot 2.2 (R&D + Demo-Pilots): Intended for implementing R&D activities for the development of new or improved products, processes, or services and demonstration-pilot activities, as described above.

Available funds

The total indicative amount of funds available under this public call is EUR 14,420,000.00, of which:

• EUR 4,420,000.00 is allocated to the Zasavje region, and
• EUR 10,000,000.00 is allocated to the SAŠA region.

Announcement of tender

The call was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 76, on 3 October 2025.
Further information and full documentation are available on the ARIS website:
https://www.aris-rs.si/sl/inovac/razpisi/25/razpis-DEMO-PILOTI-okt25.asp

Deadlines announced

he submission deadline is 15 January 2026 by 14:00 CET.

Amount of funding

For R&D sub-lots (1.1 and 2.1):
Minimum grant: EUR 100,000
Maximum grant: EUR 300,000

For R&D + Demo-Pilot sub-lots (1.2 and 2.2):
Minimum grant: EUR 200,000
Maximum grant: EUR 600,000

Co-financing intensity by company size and cost type:

1. For R&D (labour costs, services, indirect costs):

• Micro/small enterprises: up to 45 %
• Medium enterprises: up to 35 %
• Large enterprises: up to 25 %

2. For R&D + Demo-Pilots (purchase of fixed assets):

• Micro/small enterprises: up to 60 %
• Medium enterprises: up to 50 %
• Large enterprises: up to 40 %

Eligible applicants

Eligible applicants are consortia of up to three (3) independent companies that are not connected in ownership or management.
All partners must have a registered office, branch, or business unit in the region where the project is being implemented (Zasavje or SAŠA) by 31 December 2024 at the latest.

Eligible costs

• For or all sub-lots:
  • Labour costs (researchers, technical staff), external service costs, and indirect costs.
• For demo-pilot sub-lots (1.2 and 2.2):
  • Additional eligible costs include the purchase of new tangible fixed assets (excluding land or buildings) and intangible assets (patents, licences, trademarks, know-how).

The maximum project duration is 24 months from the date of the funding decision.

Special conditions

Each project must result in a new or improved product, process, or service, developed to a level suitable for real-world application (for demo-pilot projects: including demonstration and testing).

The project results must remain within the region (Zasavje or SAŠA).